When things don't run smoothly – but still hold up.
The best ideas? They sometimes stumble into life quite inconspicuously – for example, in the form of a button. Sounds unspectacular at first, I know.
But for me, this little button was the beginning of something bigger - a handmade piece of silver jewelry.
It was actually intended only as a charm—a little extra for a special necklace I was commissioned to make for a wedding. It was intended as a personal gift with a lot of meaning. The silver charm necklace was lavish, full of little symbols.
And in the middle of it all, a tiny, square bronze button with a specific idea behind it: solidarity.
Since then, I haven't let go of it. Perhaps because buttons do invisible work. Because they hold together what would otherwise fall apart.
Because they connect things. Or because they simply provide security.
Well, most of the time this security is simply limited to the fact that we don't suddenly find ourselves naked in the middle of nowhere.
But purely in terms of significance? They're pretty underrated little things, if you ask me.
But what makes my button special is that it's not round. And that was also the idea I wanted to convey with the wedding necklace.
Because: Nothing in life always runs smoothly. Not in relationships. Not in friendships. Not even in our own personal development. And yet we remain connected. Precisely because there are rough patches, not despite them .
What was originally intended to be a minor character became a small but powerful statement piece. A symbol of true solidarity—with all its flaws.
Corners. Edges. Buttons. And what all that has to do with handmade jewelry.
So, buttons. Those little things you touch every day but rarely actually see .
They keep what you entrust to them – literally. Jackets, blouses, favorite dresses.
For me, the button in this piece of jewelry is a metaphor for the relationships in our lives.
A button connects. Provides support. Stays with you, even when the going gets tough. I wanted to transform it into a piece of jewelry as a symbol of solidarity, connection, and safety.
But – and here comes the crux of the matter – what if things aren't going well in the relationship?
How often are we led to believe that everything has to run smoothly: relationships, careers, life itself. Smoothly. Consistently. Problem-free.
And let's be honest – that's not how it works 🤷♀️
Some days are less smooth than others. Some relationships have rough edges. Some developments require sharp edges.
In short, that's why it had to be a square button necklace. Because real relationships aren't perfect. They're honest. And honest is sometimes – well, not quite perfect.
If a button says so much, then it deserves to look like one with a story. That's why there are floral lines that stretch across the surface like small tendrils – a reminder that everything changes. That relationships can blossom, grow, and change.
The silver button friendship necklace in detail
Of course, this button necklace isn't just about symbolism, even though it certainly looks pretty impressive.
It's also about the material. And the how.
The button itself is made of 925 silver, lovingly handcrafted with silver clay. This is essentially recycled fine silver in a modeling form, which transforms into solid, real silver after firing. Pretty cool stuff—and pretty sustainable, too.
I rolled the floral pattern on by hand—the old-school way, using a pattern roller and feel, and I estimated it at 17 attempts per button. 🫠. Which means no two buttons are exactly alike. Each one is a little bit unique.
To prevent the fine lines from simply disappearing, I patinated them—that is, slightly blackened the indentations. This brings out the pattern better and gives the entire piece a sense of visual depth.
With its size of about 20mm, it is small enough for everyday use, but big enough that someone asks:
“Is that a button?!”
(And then you can either tell your counterpart about the meaning or simply send around the link to this blog post, hehe)
Because the button chain doesn't require any color, it goes with almost anything - a blazer, a knitted sweater, a dress or a T-shirt.
In short: This chain doesn’t scream – but it tells a story.
A look into the workshop: How a button became a silver chain
So how does one actually approach handmade silver jewelry? Sometimes it all starts with a tiny piece of jeweler's wax, a quirky thought, or a pretty gemstone.
In this case: the idea that a button can be more than just a button.
So I sculpted. Cut. Embossed. Cursed (a little - because the clay kept getting stuck in my roller 🙄).
Because as simple as the result looks, the path to it wasn't.
I caught myself filing the corners:
How often do we think that everything has to be round...
Friendship necklace? Jewelry for couples? Sibling jewelry? Your choice!
This chain is not for everyone.
It's for you - if you know that true connection has nothing to do with perfection.
If you don't want to round off corners – but rather wear them as part of your story.
It is for women who don't just want to wear jewelry, but want to express something through jewelry.
For all those who don't bend, but grow – with pride, with style and with a wink.
For those who know their style and don't have to follow every trend because they know:
That one? That's me.
Maybe you're thinking of someone who means a lot to you—and with whom you're connected, even if things aren't always going smoothly. Because if this necklace is perfect for anything, it's as a friendship necklace!
Whether it's a necklace for three, four, or five friends, this meaning will definitely connect you forever—and it's one you can grow from. I honestly don't know what best friend wouldn't be delighted with such a meaningful gift.
And tell me that the button necklace wouldn't make a great mother-daughter necklace?
Every family has disagreements, but in the end it all comes down to togetherness and mother-daughter jewelry is always a beautiful reminder of the bond between you.
(PS: Speaking of mothers: A handmade necklace like this would also be perfect as a Mother's Day gift, as sibling jewelry, or as partner jewelry for people who hold each other close – in their own special way.)
A little reminder to wear around your neck: We stick together. Even when we disagree.
Maybe you're wearing the button for yourself. Maybe for a connection that's important to you.
Or simply because you celebrate the design (totally legitimate, by the way 👌).
And now? Maybe just button it up.
Whether you wear the silver necklace with button for yourself or give it as a gift, it reminds you that things don't always go smoothly, but that rough edges don't have to be a problem.
A true connection is more than just a nice feeling—it's a promise: I'll stay, even if things get a little rough.
I wish you had a button like that in your life. Or that you were one for someone.
And if you have someone in mind with whom you associate exactly this, your mom, your best friend, your partner - maybe this is your necklace .
Feel free to tell me who you would dedicate it to.
Best regards,
Tilli
